Terms of Service

To clarify the rights and responsibilities that you and I have with respect to one another, please read each of these terms and conditions and indicate your acceptance. This step is required before we begin work together. Thanks!

~~Margy

Name *

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Today's Date *

Today's Date

MM

DD

YYYY

Description of Services *

ScholarShape specializes in offering scholar support services, including assistance in the following: (a) developing, revising, and editing scholarly manuscripts for submission to publishers, thesis/dissertation committees, and other audiences; (b) implementing feedback from third parties such as journal editors and dissertation chairs; (c) setting and meeting objectives in the pursuit of long-term writing goals; (d) managing the completion and submission of articles to specific journals; and (e) strategizing complex research projects. Services may take the form of consultation (usually via phone or video chat, but in person by special arrangement) or written feedback (i.e. in document track changes, in the body of an email, or in a document file that is separate from Client’s manuscript). Services are considered Scholar Support Services that are designed to strengthen the Client’s skills as a scholar and/or clarify and expedite the Client’s scholarly project(s). Consultant does not guarantee a specific reception or outcome for the Client’s work.

Performance of Services *

The manner in which the Services are to be performed shall be determined by Consultant, according to the Consultant's expertise and the information provided by the Client.

Scheduling and Payment *

At the time of scheduling, the Client must provide payment via the ScholarShape website or by separate arrangement with the Consultant. Once payments are made, they may not be refunded except under extraordinary circumstances at the Consultant's discretion. Clients' requests to re-schedule will be accommodated as the Consultant's schedule allows. A rescheduling fee may apply.

Client's Role *

Client will provide Consultant with all documents and information necessary to understand the particulars of Client’s project, including criteria by which Client’s project will be evaluated by publishers, committee members, or other stakeholders. Client is responsible to communicate relevant, accurate information to Consultant about the nature of Client’s project, as well as the requirements of Client’s publisher(s), university, and/or committee member(s). Client is also responsible to inform Consultant of all relevant deadlines and schedule limitations that affect the project’s timeline, as well as to decide whether, how, and when to implement Consultant’s suggestions.

Relationship of Parties *

It is understood by the parties that Consultant is an independent contractor with respect to Client, and not an employee of Client. Client will not provide fringe benefits, including health insurance benefits, paid vacation, or any other employee benefit, for the benefit of Consultant.

Disclosure *

Consultant is required to disclose any outside activities or interests that conflict or may conflict with the best interests of Client. Prompt disclosure is required under this paragraph if the activity or interest is related, directly or indirectly, to other consulting relationships that may conflict with this Agreement. Consultant does not provide referral fees to any individuals or institutions, nor does she receive referral fees from any individuals or institutions.
Consultant is not a ghostwriter. Consultant’s comments made orally or in writing should be interpreted as opinions or considerations, and not as instructions or injunctions.
Consultant is not an employee of any publisher or educational institution. Consultant cannot speak for any particular institution, including specific publishers or university departments. Advice should be considered as representing the conventions, methodologies, and practices of academic writing in general.
Client maintains control of all decisions and should reject advice with which he or she does not agree. Consultant cannot control future events and therefore cannot be responsible for long-term outcomes of Client’s decisions, actions, or strategies.

Confidentiality *

Client recognizes that Consultant may or will have access to the following information: Data collected in the course of Client’s academic research; Client’s correspondence with publishers, editors, committee members, and/or other stakeholders; Client’s personal information, future plans, and other proprietary information that are valuable, special, and unique assets of Client and need to be protected from improper disclosure. In consideration for the disclosure of the Information, Consultant agrees that Consultant will not at any time or in any manner, either directly or indirectly, use any Information for Consultant's own benefit, or divulge, disclose, or communicate in any manner any Information to any third party without the prior consent of Client. Consultant will protect the Information and treat it as strictly confidential. A violation of this paragraph shall be a material violation of this Agreement.
Client’s work is and will remain entirely the Client’s own intellectual property. Consultant stores all Client documents on two password-protected computers, does not print Client documents, and does not discuss Client projects with any third party. Consultant will never disclose to any third party the name of the Client or the fact that they worked together, except in extraordinary circumstances, such as where required by law.
Client agrees not to show or distribute this contract to any third party.
The confidentiality provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect after the termination of this Agreement.

Severability *

If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If a court finds that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited.

Waiver of Contractual Right *

The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement.

Applicable Law *

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA.

Entire Agreement *

This Terms and Conditions document represents the entire statement of the ScholarShape Terms and Conditions. In the event of a conflict between the Terms and Conditions in this document and any other ScholarShape agreement or policy relating to the subject matter herein, the Terms and Conditions in this document shall prevail.